CHINESE TALLOW

Chinese tallow trees can invade wildland areas and swiftly replace natural communities with nearly monospecific stands. It alters natural soil conditions, creating an inhospitable environment for many native species. Below is an example of Chinese Tallow and a map of its current distribution – click either for more information.

GIANT SALVINIA

Giant Salvinia is currently one of the most invasive aquatic plants in East Texas. It ravages ecosystems by outgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for native animals. Giant Salvinia blocks out sunlight and decreases oxygen concentrations killing fish and other aquatic species. When the plant masses die, their decomposition lowers dissolved oxygen still further. Giant Salvinia can expand very rapidly, doubling in size within only about a weeks time.

Below is a close-up example of Giant Salvinia and how it can be unknowingly transported on your boat or trailer. Click either for more information.

POLLUTION

Caddo Lake and some of its tributaries have elevated levels of bacteria, pH, and mercury, and low levels of dissolved oxygen. The Caddo Lake watershed has extensive recreational uses that are affected by these water quality concerns. The preliminarily draft reports identify livestock, wildlife, pets, on-site sewage facilities, poultry and wastewater treatment facilities as significant sources of bacteria and nutrients in the watershed.